Driving mechanism for centrifugal separators



March 2, 1943. J. F. 'THOLL 2,312,505

DRIVING MECHANISM FOR CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATORS I Filed Aug. 25, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 J. F. THOLI.

March 2, 1943.

DRIVING MECHANISM FOR CEN'IRIFUGAL SBFARATORS Filed Aug 23, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR B I ATTORNEY.

J. F. THOLL March 2, 1943..

DRIVING MECHANISM FOR CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATORS Filed Aug. 23, 1938 4 s-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY.

March 2, 1943-. J. F. THOLL 2,312,505

DRIVING MECHANISM FOR CENTRIFUGAL SEPAR ATQRS Filed Aug. 25, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 1VENTOR Patented Mar. 2, 1943 UNITED STATES -i GFM DRIVING MECHANISM FOR CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATORS Application August 23, 1938, Serial No. 226,223

14 Claims.

This invention relates to centrifugal separators and is more especially concerned with the mechanisms for driving machines of this type.

As is well understood by those skilled in this art, such machines are commonly operated by 'two general types of drives, one consisting of an individual drive in which each machine is equipped with its own motor, and the other being the so-called gang drive in which a series of separators arranged in a line are operated from "a single motor or other prime mover. While each has its advantages, the latter is generally "preferred where machines can be operated in gangs due both to the lower initial expense for the driving equipment and also because of its greater economy in operation.

The present invention has for its general object to improve these driving mechanisms with a view to retaining the advantages of the gang type of drive while, in addition, providing for a positive slow speed operation of the centrifugals during discharging and afiording the flexibility and independence of control which is desirable in the operation of the individual machines.

The nature of the invention will be readily understood from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a mechanism provided by this invention for driving a series of centrifugals; I

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end view of said arrangement;

Fig. 4 is a vertical, longitudinal, sectional view of the driving arrangement for the first machine of the'series shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it being understood that this arrangement is duplicated for each additional machine.

p Fig. 5 is a vertical, sectional view showing a slightly modified form'of transmission mechanism, and illustrating additional details of the connections between such a mechanism and the basket; Fig. 6 is a sectional view approximately on the line. 66, Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a vertical, sectional view through the flexible coupling shown in Fig. 5 and the parts immediately above and below it, but on a somea what larger'scale; and 7 Fig. 8 is a sectional view approximately on the line 88, Fig. '7.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, the first two centrifugal separators of a line of these machines, which may include any suitable number, are indicated, respectively, at A and B. These machines are all arranged in a straight line and are driven by a single electric motor 2 connected by the belt 3, Figs. 1 and 3, to a pulley 4 fast on a main driving shaft 5 which extends above and parallel to the entire line of machines.

Connecting the different machines with the shaft 5 are a series of driving mechanisms, one for each machine, so that the drive of any machine is independent of all the others. Each of these mechanisms is constructed and arranged to drive its respective centrifugal at both a high speed and a low speed, and controlling means is provided to shift the drive of any machine from one of said speeds to the other, at will, without disturbing the operation of any other machine in the series.

Fig. 4 shows in considerable detail a two-speed transmission mechanism of a novel construction for driving the vertical shaft 6 of the first centrifugal separator A. As will be evident from the other views, each of these machines is of the upright suspended type. Also, each is equipped with its own brake mechanism, the brake drum for the first machine being shown in Fig. 4 at I secured directly on the operating shaft 6. The upper end of this shaft has a bevelled pinion 8 secured to it and driven by a bevel gear ll} keyed to a sleeve l2 through which the main shaft 5 extends. This sleeve is, in effect, a supplemental shaft which may be connected with the main shaft 5 to be driven thereby through either of two clutches indicated, in general, at l3 and M, respectively. The former, when in operation, is driven at the speed of the main shaft 5 and the latter through a reduction gearing l5 at a greatly reduced speed. Consequently, the clutches may be utilized selectively to drive the basket of the centrifugal at either a high operating speed or a low discharging speed.

The clutch [3 includes a clutch drum l6 mounted on a ball bearing unit I! to revolve around the main shaft 5, and the hub portion 18 of the clutch extends toward the right, Fig. 4, and is keyed to the bevel gear Hi. This gear is clamped against the hub part It by nuts 20 threaded on the sleeve l2. Thus, all of these parts are compelled to revolve in unison around the axis of the main shaft. A ball bearing 2| cooperates with a reduced portion of the hub 18 to support this member and those just mentioned which are secured to it, in a co-axial relarc'lutches of this type. mounted between arms 52, Fig. 1, both secured on the spider and connected with the shoes by links or draw bolts 21, the outer ends of the levers 26 riding on the inclined surface of a clutch collar 28 which is slidably mounted on the shaft 5. It is operatively connected with a controlling collar 30 arranged to be moved backward and forward axially of the shaft by its connections with a lever 3| fulcrumed on the frame 32 and operated through a sector and pinion with a hand wheel 34, Figs. 1 and 2,

7 As shown in Fig. 4, the clutch I3 is in its out or inoperative position, but when the hand wheel 34 is operated to move the collar 28 toward the left, the outer ends of the lever arms 26 are allowed to move inwardly and centrifugal inertia then forces the clutch shoes 23 into engagement with the inner peripheral surface of the drum l6. This results in connecting the drum parts 16 and I8 and the bevel gear I directly to the shaft and causes them to rotate in unison with said shaft. At this time, therefore, the shaft 6 and the basket to which it is connected through the shaft 9, are positively driven at a speed determined by the ratio of the gears 8 and IE5.

The clutch I4 is similar in construction to that above described and includes a drum 36 mounted on a ball bearing unit 31, clutch shoes 38 mounted on a clutch spider 4D and normally held outwardly by coiled springs but arranged to be retracted by levers 4-|-4l cooperating with a clutch collar 42.

As above indicated, the drum of thisclutch is constantly driven from the main shaft through a speed reduction gearing comprising a pinion 43, keyed to said shaft and driving a gear 44 and pinion 45, the latter, in turn, driving a gear 46 and pinion 41 revolving therewith. This pinion meshes with and drives an internal ring gear 43 which is bolted to the end plate of the clutch drum 36.

An interlocking control is provided between the two clutches including a collar 50, Fig. 4, encircling the main shaft and slidable axially of it and operatively connected with the clutch collar 42 through a thrust collar 5! and suitable bearings, as in the common arrangement used with The collar 59 is pivotally on a, rock shaft 53, and another arm 54, Fig. 4,

fast on this shaft is connected by a link 55 to an arm 56 fast on the rock shaft 32 above referred to. Consequently, by properly manipulating the hand wheel 34 one clutch may be thrown in and the other simultaneously thrown out. ment preferably is such that at an intermediate point both clutches are out and the separator A thus can .be stopped. It is impossible, however,

The adjust- 1 time, therefore, the basket of the separator A is being driven at a very slow speed, say for example, 60 R. P. M., which is a typical speed for the discharging operation. At this slow speed, however, the basket is positively andsmoothly driven, a result which has not been obtainable heretofore with any gang drive of which I have been able to learn. This positive operation of the basket greatly facilitates the discharging action and is an important advantage from an operating standpoint.

It will be observed that in both these clutches the action of centrifugal inertia on the clutch shoes tends to hold them in their outermost or operative positions. However, this eifect is much smaller in the clutch l4, and in order to permit the use of similar clutch constructions in both these mechanisms, it is sometimes desirable to assist the centrifugal action of the clutch shoes with supplemental coiled springs, such as those shown at 58, Fig. 4, to apply-additional pressure to the shoes. Preferably these springs encircle guide rods which are connected by links 59 and 60 to one end of a rod 6!, the opposite end of which is pivoted to the arm 52. Thus the links form a toggle mechanism which is straightened when the clutch I4 is in its operative position but is broken, and therefore releases the pressure of the springs, when the clutch is thrown out.

The bearings for the high speed and low speed connections are mounted on supporting stands 62 and 63, respectively, and both are equipped with casing members 64 and 65 in which the gear mechanisms are housed.

In addition to providing the positive slow speed for the discharging operation, as above described, this arrangement also produces the regenerative effect which is an important advantage of any well designed gang drive.

Fig. 5 shows a modified construction which may be used in place of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4 for coupling the gear 'lil directly to the main shaft 5. This mechanism is somewhat simpler, particularly in omitting the roller bearing unit I], and it is designed to facilitate manufacture, erection, and repair. It includes many parts corresponding to those illustrated in Fig. 4'"

and such parts are designated by the same, but primed, numerals. In this arrangement the sleeve I2 is provided with a flanged headpiece 66 which is bolted directly to the end plate of the clutch drum I6. The gear I0 is made in two pieces, namely, a rim and a hub section, the latter part In" being keyed to the sleeve, and the inner races for the two ball bearings 2| and 22 being located at opposite ends of it. All three of these parts are clamped against a shoulder on the part 66 by means of a nut 61. The outer 'racesare held in place by end plates 68 and 10, respectively, encircling the main shaft and bolted to the stationary casing or housing 64.

In operating any suspended centrifugal, provision must be made to accommodate the gyratory period of operation which the basket goes through in coming up to speed or in slowing down to a stop. For this purpose the operating shaft 6 is connectedto the basket spindle 9, Fig. 4, through'a flexible coupling, indicated in general at T2. The same coupling, similarly indicated, is shown in Fig. 5 connecting the operating shaft 6 with the basket spindle 9'. Since the latter carries the entire weight of the basket and its load, it issupported in some such mounting as those heretofore used. In the particular arrangement illustrated, a divided spindle is employed, the upper section 9' being secured to a "lower sections 9" by bolts, and the former'is mounted in a sleeve having" a spherical section 14 at its upper end which is supported in a spherical bearing socket 15 so that it can gyrate about a point 0 as a center. Upper and lower sets of ball bearings hold the spindle and the sleeve in properly spaced relationship radially and. a collar 16 screw threaded on to the outer surface of the sleeve for vertical adjustment, provides a support for a rubber ring 11 which bears against the inner surface of the stationary frame piece 18 and exerts an elastic dampening action on the gyratory motion of the spindle and the parts at the bearing head which oscillate with it.

The operating shaft'E' is supported for rotation co-axially with the spindle 9' in an upper roller bearing 80 and a lower ball bearing 8|. It extends downwardly to a point adjacent to the upper end of the spindle and is connected with the latter by the flexible coupling I2 previously referred to.

This coupling comprises a pressed metal casing including upper and lower sections d and e, Fig. '7, secured together and providing sockets in which relatively thick rubber bushings are mounted.

Two of these bushings are connected with the shaft 6' by bolts 8282, Figs. 6 and 7, extending through a hub portion'b of the brake drum 1' which is keyed to the shaft 6. Each of these bolts is encircled by a sleeve or bushing g, Fig. '7, which fits tightly in its respective rubber bushing 1. The other two rubber bushings are similarly connected by bolts 8383, Figs. 5 to 8, with a collar or nut84 into which the upper end of the spindle 9' is threaded, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7. These bolts 8383 also are encircled by bushings g.

Thus this flexible connection ,permits the basket spindle to gyrate about the center 0 in the middle of the flexible coupling while its driving connection with the shaft 6' is positively main- .tained. In other words, the flexible coupling positively transmit driving torque to the spindle 9', but accommodates relative angular movements of the spindle. Such accommodation is afiorded by the elasticity of the rubber bushings f and their mounting in such a manner that they are allowed to change shape asrequired for this purpose.-

In order to prevent any relative rotation between the nut or collar 84 and the spindle 9', the central part of the nut is slotted, as shown at -86, Fig. 8, to receive a tapered key 81, and a screw 88 through this key is threaded axially into the upper end of the spindle 9, and locks the key securely in its operative position.

It will be evident that the-mechanism shown-in Fig. 5 simply takes theplace of the corresponding parts of Fig. 4 and is designed to be used in conjunction with the clutch M of the latter figure and the gear reduction mechanism for driving it,

all as described above in connection with Figs. 1 to i, inclusive. In addition to providing a somewhat simpler arrangement, the organization illustrated in Fig. 5 also has the advantage of facilitating erection and repair, since the bearings for the shaft 6 and their supports can all be assembled from below and after those parts mounted on and encircling the main shaft have been set in place. Subsequently if repairs are necessary, these parts can be withdrawn downwardly from their normal positions after the basket and it supports are moved out of the way.

While I have herein shown and described a typical embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

The novel features of the flexible coupling and the mounting of the suspension head for the basket spindle shown in Fig. 5 are not claimed in this application. i V

Having thus described my invention, what I desire to claim as new is:

1. The combination of a series of upright centrifugal separators, a main horizontal shaft for driving all of said machines, and independent driving mechanisms between said respective centrifugals and said main shaft, each of said mechmisms being constructed and arranged to drive from one speed to the other at will.

2. The combination of a series of upright centrifugal separators, a main driving shaft for said separators, means for driving said shaft, and a plurality of two-speed transmission units connecting the respective centrifugals with said shaft and each serving to drive its respective centrifugal positively at a high speed for normal operation and also at a low speed for the discharging operation, and means operable to shift the drive of any of said centrifugals from one of said speeds to the other, at will, and without disturbing the operation of other'centrifugals in the series.

3. The combination of a series of upright centrifugal separators, vertical operating shafts for said respective separators, a main horizontal driving shaft, two sets of'connections between said horizontal shaftand each of said vertical shafts serving to drive the respective vertical shafts positively at widely different speeds, both sets of' said connections including gearing and one set serving to drive the operating shaft at a high speed and the'other at a low speed but one of said sets of gearing operating through the other, and con- --trolling means for each separator operable to shift its speed from high to low, or vise versa, at will.

,4. The combination of a series of upright centrifugal separators, a main driving shaft for said separators, means for driving said shaft, and a plurality of two-speed transmission units connecting the respective centrifugals with said shaft and each serving to drive its respective centrifugal; each of said units including a supplemental Y shaft, means including two clutches for connecting said supplemental shaft to said main shaft to be driven therefrom in different speed ratios, and

gear connections between said supplemental shaft and'the respective separator with which it is associated to drive the latter.

:5. The combination of an upright centrifugal separator and a vertical shaft for driving the same, a main horizontal driving shaft for said separatona sleeve encircling said main shaft, gear connections between said sleeve and said vertical shaft for driving the latter, two clutches arranged to be operated selectively and both driven from said main shaft to drive said sleeve, and a set of reduction gearing between the main shaft and one of said clutches.

6. The combination of an upright centrifugal separator and a vertical shaft for driving the same, a main horizontal driving shaft for said separator, two members revolving around said main shaft, means connecting them with said main shaft to be driven thereby at different speeds, and two clutches operabl selectively to drive said vertical shaft from either of said members at will.

7. The combination of an upright centrifugal separator and a vertical shaft for driving the same, a main horizontal driving shaft for said separator, a gear mounted for rotation around the axis of said driving shaft and having a driving connection with said vertical shaft, means including a clutch for connecting said main shaft and said gear together to drive the latter from the former, a gear mechanism connected with said main shaft to be driven thereby, and means including a second clutch operable to connect said gear mechanism with said first mentioned gear to operate the latter and thereby to drive said vertical shaft through said gear mechanism.

8. The combination of a series of upright cen-' trifugal separators; a main horizontal shaft for driving all of said machines, and independent driving mechanisms between said respectivecentrifugals and said main shaft; each of saidmechanisms being constructed and arranged to drive its respective centrifugal positively from said shaft 7 at both a high speed and a low speed, each of said driving mechanisms including means permitting the respective centrifugals driven thereby to gyrate while still maintaining a positive driving con nection with its driving mechanism, and control-;

ling means for each separator operable to utilize drive said separator. r

through which motion from the main shaft is transmitted to its respective separator, and two clutches serving, respectively, to connect said same and a main horizontal driving shaft for said gear connections between said sleeve and said separator, of a sleeve encircling said main shaft,

Vertical shaft for driving the latter at a high speed, means including a clutch for operatively connecting said sleeve with said main shaft, a set of reduction gearing between said main shaft and said sleeve for driving the latter and thereby operating said vertical shaft at a low speed, a second clutch'through which said sleeve is driven by said reduction gearing, and controllin means operable to utilize either of said speeds at will to 12. The combination with an uprightcentrifu- "gal separator, a vertical shaft for drivingthe a same and a main horizontal driving'shaft for said either of said speeds at will and to shift from one of said speeds to the other.

9. The combination of an upright centrifugal separator and a vertical shaft for driving the same, a main horizontal driving shaft for said separator, two members revolving around said main shaft, means connecting them withsaid main shaft to be driven thereby at different speeds, two clutches operable selectively to drive said vertical shaft from either of said members at will, an upright spindle supporting the basket of the centrifugal, means supporting said spindle for both rotary motion with said vertical shaft and also for gyratory motion, and a flexible con- -pling connecting said vertical shaft and said centrifugal separators; a main horizontal shaft for driving all of said separators; and independent driving mechanisms between said respective 'separators and said main shaft; each of said mechanisms being constructed and arranged to drive its respective separator positively from said shaft at both a high operating speed and a low discharging speed; each of said mechanisms including a; j supplemental driving shaft telescoped on said main shaft, speed reduction gearing for driving said supplemental shaft from said main shaft, gearing driven by said supplemental shaft and center within.

tical shaft above said flexible coupling, and"?! brake band cooperating therewith.

separator, of gear connections between said main 'sh'aft and'said vertical shaft for driving the latter from theformer at a high speed, a clutch for controlling said driving connections between said shafts, additional driving connections between 30 driven by said main shaft and operable through said gear connections to drive said vertical shaft and said separator ata slow speed suitable for discharging the separator, aclutch through which C and controlling means for rendering either clutch operative at will to drive said separator.

said shafts'including a set of reduction gearing said separator is driven by said reduction gearing,

13. The combination with an upright centrifugal separator, a vertical shaft for driving the same and a main horizontal drivingshaft for said 7 separator, of gear connections between said main shaft'and said vertical shaft for driving the latter from the former at'a high speed, a clutch for controlling said driving connections between said shafts, additional drivingconnections between 5 said shafts including a set of reduction gearing driven by said main shaft and operable to drive said vertical shaft and said separator at a slow speed, a clutch through which said separator is driven by said' reduction gearing, controlling means for said clutchesoperable to utilize either at will to 'drive the separator, said means including operating mechanism for one of said clutches,

for holding it in its power transmitting condition through the aid of centrifugal force created by its own rotation, and said operating mechanism including a toggle for releasably locking the clutch in its power transmitting condition.

14. The combination defined in preceding claim 9, including a brake drum mounted on said ver JOHN F. THOLL. 

